ATI RN
Pediatric Respiratory Distress Nursing Interventions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child who is receiving chemotherapy for leukemia. The child develops a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C). What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Notify the healthcare provider immediately. When caring for a child undergoing chemotherapy, any fever, even a low-grade one like 100.4°F, is considered a serious concern due to the child's compromised immune system. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider promptly because fevers in children with cancer can indicate an underlying infection that requires urgent evaluation and treatment. Administering acetaminophen (option A) should not be the first action without consulting the healthcare provider, as it may mask the fever and delay the diagnosis and treatment of a potential infection. Assessing for signs of infection (option C) is important but should not delay contacting the healthcare provider, as prompt intervention is crucial in this high-risk population. Increasing fluid intake (option D) is generally beneficial but is not the priority in this case. Educationally, this scenario highlights the importance of prompt communication with the healthcare team when caring for pediatric oncology patients. It emphasizes the need for nurses to recognize the potential complications of fever in immunocompromised children and take immediate action to ensure timely and appropriate management.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a child with a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of a child with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the priority nursing intervention is providing supplemental oxygen (Option B). ARDS is a severe condition characterized by rapid onset of respiratory failure, requiring immediate and effective oxygenation support. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation levels and reduce the work of breathing, crucial in managing ARDS and preventing further complications like hypoxemia and organ dysfunction. Administering pain medications (Option A) is important for comfort, but it is not the priority when a child is struggling to breathe. Monitoring for signs of infection (Option C) is essential in ARDS due to the risk of secondary infections, but ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing (Option D) may be beneficial in other respiratory conditions, but in ARDS, the focus is on oxygenation support rather than potentially increasing respiratory effort. In an educational context, understanding the priority interventions in pediatric respiratory distress scenarios like ARDS is crucial for nurses to provide timely and effective care. This knowledge ensures that nurses can prioritize interventions based on the critical needs of the child, thereby improving outcomes and potentially saving lives.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is educating the parents of a child with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. The nurse should explain that the child's insulin regimen will be based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pediatric diabetes management, the child's insulin regimen is based on their blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake (Option B). This is because insulin dosing needs to be tailored to match the amount of carbohydrates consumed to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Educating parents on this aspect is crucial as it empowers them to support their child's health by understanding how insulin works in relation to their diet. Option A is incorrect because although diet and exercise are important factors in diabetes management, insulin dosing is primarily based on blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake. Option C, the child's age and weight, is not the primary determinant of insulin dosing, although these factors can influence insulin requirements to some extent. Option D, the child's insulin resistance, is also not the primary factor considered when determining the insulin regimen for a child with type 1 diabetes. Providing this educational context helps parents understand the rationale behind the insulin regimen, enabling them to actively participate in their child's diabetes care and make informed decisions regarding their child's health.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child who has a history of anaphylaxis due to peanut allergy. The nurse should instruct the parents to always have which of the following on hand?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pediatric respiratory distress related to a history of anaphylaxis due to peanut allergy, the correct answer is B) An epinephrine auto-injector. This is because anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can rapidly progress, leading to respiratory distress, among other symptoms. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it acts quickly to reverse the allergic response, including respiratory compromise. Therefore, having an epinephrine auto-injector readily available is crucial in managing anaphylaxis effectively and promptly. Antihistamines (Option A) are used to treat mild allergic reactions but are not sufficient for the treatment of anaphylaxis, especially when respiratory distress is involved. Corticosteroids (Option C) may be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of anaphylaxis, but they are not the primary intervention for acute respiratory distress in this context. Oral antihistamine medication (Option D) is not appropriate for the management of acute anaphylaxis, especially when respiratory distress is a concern. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to educate parents of children with known severe allergies, like peanut allergy, about the importance of having an epinephrine auto-injector available at all times. Teaching parents how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and when to administer epinephrine can be life-saving for their child in the event of an allergic reaction. Timely administration of epinephrine is crucial in preventing the progression of symptoms, including respiratory distress, and improving outcomes for children with severe allergies.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a child with suspected sepsis. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of a child with suspected sepsis, the nurse should prioritize administering antibiotics as prescribed (Option B). Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection. Prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial in treating the underlying infection and preventing sepsis from worsening. Monitoring for signs of bleeding (Option A) is important in some conditions, but in the case of suspected sepsis, addressing the infection promptly takes precedence to prevent further complications. Measuring the child's blood pressure (Option C) is important in assessing the child's hemodynamic status, but in the context of sepsis, timely administration of antibiotics to address the infection is a more critical intervention. Providing supplemental oxygen (Option D) may be necessary in cases of respiratory distress, but in the scenario of suspected sepsis, addressing the infection with antibiotics is the priority to prevent systemic complications. This educational context highlights the importance of understanding the prioritization of interventions based on the specific condition a child presents with, in this case, sepsis. Administering antibiotics promptly can be life-saving in preventing sepsis-related complications and improving outcomes for the child.